A Deeper Look into Concord Grape Juice and Healthy

Further Evidence Supports Role of Concord Grape Juice in a Heart-Healthy Diet

August 26, 2013

In addition to a produce-rich diet and active lifestyle, Concord grapes can help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. Research suggests that polyphenols, like those found in Concord grapes, can contribute to heart health in certain populations by promoting healthy arteries.1-7

A new study, led by Dr. Valérie Schini-Kerth at the Université de Strasbourg, adds to the body of evidence on the heart-health benefits of Concord grape juice. The authors suggest that the findings in this experimental study augment our understanding of how Concord grape juice helps promote a healthy circulation.8

Healthy circulation depends on the production of a molecule called nitric oxide by the endothelial cells that form the inner lining of blood vessels. Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels and stimulates blood flow. In this laboratory study, researchers found that treating endothelial cells with Concord grape juice increased nitric oxide (NO) levels by 50%. And, for the first time, researchers showed that Concord grape juice boosted the levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS, the protein that makes nitric acid) for up to a full day. Specifically, Concord grape juice turned on proteins that signal the endothelial cell to make more endothelial nitric oxide synthase.

Although this study was performed in a laboratory model, it builds on earlier work showing that Concord grape juice has positive effects on blood vessel health and helps to further support the link between Concord grape juice and healthy circulation.

Expert Outlook:

According to Dr. Schini-Kerth, besides red wine, drinking grape juice is an excellent way to obtain grape-derived polyphenols, which have been shown to have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. The dual ability of grape-derived polyphenols to acutely enhance and sustain the endothelial formation of NO might help explain this protective effect.